The Christian West, after all, did not migrate towards secular government by mass conversion to atheism. The leading public arguments and examples came from Christian minorities—Anabaptists like Balthazar Hubmaier; Puritans like Roger Williams, John Milton, and John Locke. Even Spinoza’s case for secularism was premised on his reading of the Bible.

Vanity Fair‘s Christopher Hitchens takes a loyalty oath; The New Republic‘s Jeffrey Rosen considers conversion; and The New York Times‘ David Brooks plays the part of the A.C.L.U. These and other scenes from the Ethics and Public Policy Continue Reading →

Actually, the Vatican abolished that office — also known as the “devil’s advocate” — 20 years ago, but when it came time to beatify Mother Teresa, the Church turned to Christopher Hitchens, Continue Reading →